A look at some Syracuse football position battles after spring practice

Durell Eskridge (3) ran with the first-team at safety during Saturday's scrimmage at the Carrier Dome but will continue to battle with Wayne Morgan and Ritchy Desir for the starting job come fall.Stephen D. Cannerelli | scannerelli@syracuse.com

Spring is certainly an indication of what to expect by the start of the season. But preseason practice is when roles are solidified.

Five weeks worth of evaluation by coach Scott Shafer and his staff have started answering some of the biggest questions this Syracuse team faces as it enters the ACC.

Much, however, won't be decided until August.

"If you got a starting job doesn't mean you have it," defensive coordinator Chuck Bullough said. "You gotta work to save it to keep it by the time fall starts. And if you don't have a starting job, you gotta work to take it by the time you get to fall."

Terrel Hunt took all of the first-team reps during Saturday's scrimmage, and it looks as if he would be the starter if the season started next week.

Of course, there's still 19 weeks before the season opener against Penn State at MetLife Stadium, and Drew Allen, the transfer quarterback from Oklahoma, has yet to arrive on campus and show the coaching staff what he can do.

Allen will get his shot to win the job, and it's hard to divide first-team reps among three candidates that late in the process.

Wide receiver

Whoever quarterbacks the offense needs targets to throw to, and Syracuse has some versatility at the position heading into the summer.

Jarrod West his lived up to the billing as the No. 1 wide receiver, and Adrian Flemming looks like the guy who will line up opposite West on the outside. Inside, Chris Clark has held firm in the slot.

Jeremiah Kobena is a speedy threat who is dangerous if he can shake loose, and don't forget about Ashton Broyld, who can line up all over the field.

Offensive line

The question here has always centered on the left side of the line and who can replace Justin Pugh and Zack Chibane.

Offensive line coach Pat Perles moved Sean Hickey from right tackle to left tackle and Rob Trudo from right guard to left guard.

Problem solved.

Nick Robinson and Ivan Foy have been starting all spring at right guard and right tackle, respectively.